Employers risk missing the boat on recruiting top-end insurance talent unless they move quickly, according to Hays Insurance.

Cautionary approaches by insurance executives – burned by the past 18 months of economic activity – means many candidates are being signed up by rivals, and roles which may have attracted large numbers of resumes in the past may not be so flush with applications.

Hays Insurance Senior Regional Director Jane McNeill says the employment market is “candidate tight” in many professions.

“To help secure high-calibre candidates, employers can reduce the timeframe between the interview, and if possible conduct comprehensive one-stage interviews,” Ms McNeill said.